Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has raised concerns that some high-ranking Boko Haram leaders, who were imprisoned, might have escaped following the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri.
The flood caused extensive damage to the city, including a section of the old prison where inmates were being held. Many of the prisoners had previously been moved to a newly built maximum security facility, but there are speculations that some may have fled during the chaos.
In an interview with the BBC, Zulum confirmed his worries, stating, “I’m seriously concerned about the possibility of Boko Haram leaders escaping.” He also highlighted the Borno State Government’s efforts in rehabilitating insurgents, mentioning that over 200,000 Boko Haram members and their families have repented in the last two years, contributing to improved stability.
The governor lamented the dual burden of dealing with the security challenges and the recent flood disaster, which has caused further humanitarian crises in the state. Zulum stressed the difficulty of providing immediate aid to flood victims, adding that the government is focusing on resettling affected individuals in camps to ensure they receive proper assistance.
News Editor